Passing Lanes

The amount of traffic flowing through West Central Saskatchewan has increased in recent years. The current vehicle count, the number of vehicles per day travelling through Kindersley, is approximately 2,800.

We have been lobbying the provincial government to enhance the safety of Highway 7 by constructing passing lanes. I have brought this issue to the attention of the former Deputy Minister of Transportation and our MLA Bill Boyd.

Currently it is the policy of the government that the vehicle count needs to be 5,000 per day to be twinned. They are currently examining passing lanes south of Regina.

On June 4th the West Central Municipal Government Committee Area Transportation Planning Sub-Committee met with the Special Committee on Traffic Safety lobbied for passing lanes:

"As a Committee, we believe passing lanes would greatly reduce the amount of accidents on highways, ..."

We are pressing forward on this issue but I don't expect action from the provincial government on this for about 5 years.

Highway Roadside Grass Cutting

At the West Central Municipal Government Committee meeting on June 26th we learned that there is a new schedule for the cutting of grass along the side of the highways.

The first cut, Phase 1, has to be completed no later than July 15th.

The second cut, Phase 2, has to begin no sooner than August 15th with completion is no later than October 15th.

The purpose for having the grass cut is to make it easier for motorists to see animals along the side of the highway.

Take care and drive safe!

Moment with the Mayor: Celebrating the Completion of the Water West Project

Hi Everyone:

June 24^th saw the celebration of the completion of the Water West project. The Water West project is the partnership between the Towns of Eston and Kindersley, and the RMs of Kindersley, Snipe Lake, Mariposa, Newcombe, Antelope Park, and Chesterfield for the delivery of water to our municipalities. For Kindersley, the project meant upgrading the capacity of the water pipeline that is 55kms long, and enhancing the quality of our water produced at the newly renamed Bernie Haubrich Water Treatment Plant.

The Water West Celebration, June 24, 2013

The story of how we get our water is a good one. Our source water is the South Saskatchewan River south of Eston; pictured on the left. From there, water is taken into shield wells and then pumped from the riverbank up a steep hill, seen below, from where it flows on to Eston and Kindersley. It is easy to marvel at the technology but what most impresses me are the partnerships that formed (some dating back to 1964) to get the project started and completed.

Urban legend has it that Mayors Joe Martin and Eric Halpenny shook on the deal after drinking a bottle of liquor. For two and half generations since, Eston and Kindersley have been working together securing our water and ensuring our future.

I am proud to be the most recent Mayor of Kindersley to be a part of the project. The Water West project first started with Mayor Ed Woloshyn and continued with Mayors Mike Hankewich, John Boquist, and Wayne Foster. I was also very proud to unveil the plaques commemorating and renaming the CN Reservoir as the Eldon Brick Reservoir and the Kindersley Water Treatment Plant as the Bernie Haubrich Water Treatment Plant.

It is easy to see and celebrate the Stanley Cup or Grey Cup Champions. By the same token, June 24^th was an important day to celebrate our overlooked and unsung champions in Kindersley and Eston. It takes vision and courage to push forward a project like Water West, and before that, the original Eston-Kindersley (EK) water pipeline. The Water West champions saw the problem, worked for a solution, persisted through challenges, and administered the routine until completion. Civic champions are often unsung, and June 24^th was a day to celebrate true champions of our region: Joe Martin, Eric Halpenny, Eldon Brick and Bernie Haubrich. I am honoured to continue working for the future of Kindersley and West Central Saskatchewan, as have these men.

Do you know a champion? We are looking for someone to nominate for the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Likewise, I have been trying to discover if the Town of Kindersley has a civic award to present. If you know about a Town of Kindersley award let me know.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a good week!

Highlights of Phase 2

Phase 2, the development of an aquatic centre, fieldhouse/gym, and theatre, has been ongoing for some years due to the interruption of the fire. The past few months have seen a lot work completed to determine what Kindersley needs and what we can afford. On June 18 we received a preview of the final report to be submitted by Group 2. What I am sharing below are some of the highlights based on Group 2's presentation.

Kindersley Aquatic Centre: an aging facility

·         Methodology: A thorough process was undertaken to hear as many groups as possible and collect and analyze as much quality data as was reasonable.

·         Partnerships: Possible partners include: Great PlainsCollege and Sun West School Division.

·         Strategic Alignment: a multiuse facility aligns with the Town’s strategic direction.

·         Demographics: we have slow and steady population growth which affects affordability.

·         Comparative: Kindersley is the only community in SK without an aquatics centre.

·         Existing Infrastructure: relevant facilities are aging and some need decommissioning

 

·         Recreation Trends: multiuse facilities are part of a national trend becoming the hub of a community.

·         Existing Facilities in WCS: no other community in West Central Saskatchewan offers the scope and services proposed in the new facility.

·         Stakeholders: the organizations view the facilities as much needed.

·         The groups expect increased participation in their organizations even though some are experiencing low attendance at this time.

·         Needs Assessment Conclusion Statement

"Analysis suggests that strong demand exists for the proposed multi-purpose facility from stakeholders and residents who participated in the consultation process. The strongest demand is for the aquatics centre followed by the banquet facility/gymnasium and the theatre

Enthusiasm for the project is high, however all facility developments must consider that the Town and region has a relatively low population which will affect participant numbers and revenue generation."

·         The Money Needed

·         Option A, including Great Plains College: $65.5 million without Great Plains College $55.7 million

·         Aquatic Centre annual operations budget: $500,101

·         Banquet/Gym/Theatre annual operations budget: $283,845

·         Total Operating Budget: $783,946

·         Property Tax Increase Needed with Current Tax Base: 16.5%

·         Option B, including Great Plains College: $51.3 million without Great Plains College $45.1 million

·         Aquatic Centre annual operations budget: $452,254

·         Banquet/Gym/Theatre annual operations budget: $183,336

·         Total Operating Budget: $635,590

·         Property Tax Increase Needed with Current Tax Base: 13.5%

·         Option C (pool only): $17.7 million

·         Total Operating Budget: $452,254

·         Property Tax Increase Needed with Current Tax Base: 9.5%

·         Some Caveats because these costs were not included:

·         Borrowing costs

·         Equipment costs (minor facility lifecycle contribution)

·         Major future upgrades (major facility lifecycle contribution)

·         Corporate overheard (Town admin costs)

·         Ramp up costs (new hirings prior to opening and it takes 3 years to reach revenue targets)

These are some of the highlights. There is a strong consensus among the participating groups that the facility should be build according to Option A with no phased building plans.

 

Here is how this may affect the Town:

·         Increase assets from ~$90 million to ~$155 million;

·         Increase operations from ~$14 million to ~$14.6 million;

·         Increase quality of life;

·         Increase programs offered by both Sun West School Division, Great Plains College and our local arts, culture, civic, and recreation organizations;

·         Increase Kindersley’s attractiveness to employers and employees;

·         Enhance Kindersley as a destination;

 

We are exhausting every opportunity to responsibly and sustainably secure partners and funding to move this project ahead as soon as is reasonably possible. Here are some of the initiatives we are undertaking:

·         seeking regional partners;

·         seeking partnerships at other levels of government;

·         seeking private partners;

·         proposed the development of an independent foundation to oversee fundraising, it may be prudent to consider employing a full time fundraiser;

·         developing a plan to ensure Kindersley is united behind this ambitious project;

·         reviewing the Town’s organizational effectiveness,

·         and looking for more stones to overturn to make this real.

 

If you have any questions or comments please email me.

Trash Talk Municipal Style

Councillor Sackville has an entirely different meaning to trash talk then the one I grew up with:

Talking Trash at the Municipal Waste Management Conference in Edmonton, June 2013

Another Look at Waste

Waste Separation Facility

This week Councillor Curtis Sackville and our CAO Bernie Morton, are at a Waste Management Workshop. They are learning about some of the ways the Town and our Regional Partners may be able to develop a new facility. As part of the current workshop a tour of the Edmonton Waste Management facility was held Wednesday June 19th; here are some of their photos.

This is one part of pulling the whole project together. A few weeks ago Councillor Sackville attended a P3 Workshop to better understand how bigger projects may be built through a Public Private Partnership.












The picture above is of a metal shredder.

What our CAO is examining is "fluff," an end product of non recyclable non organic waste after the separation process.

Phase 2 Update

The evening of June 18th was the last open house for Phase 2. It was very informative and I am looking forward to reviewing the final report.

As soon as I am able to go through the final report I will present some of the information here for you to review.

Have a good day!

Mayoral Report for May - June 2013

This is my most recent Mayoral Report. It has not been accepted by Council; Council will see it June 25th for approval.

Date	Activity	Purpose/Outcome	Follow Up	Policy Number
May 21	Strategic Planning	·      Develop a map for the next 4 years	·      Enhance and develop further	·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.2.
May 22	WCMGC	·      Co-Chair of Committee	·      ongoing	·      GP.4.
May 24	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
May 24	Kinder Kollege Grand Opening	·      Celebrate opening of provincially funded day care	·      Property tax abatement info	·      GP.4.; GP.7.
May 24	Great Plains College Graduation	·      Celebrate graduation		·      GP.7.
May 25	Relay for Life	·      Support Cancer Fighters		·      GP.7.
May 27	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
May 27	Council Meeting	·      Public Meeting	·      Refer to minutes	·      GP.0., GP.1.
May 28	Strategic Meeting	·      Integrate OCP, Growth, Strategic Plan, and incorporate previous studies		·      GP.4.
May 30	FCM Travel	·      Travel to Vancouver		·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.4.; GP.7.
May 31	FCM: Urban Design Tour & Policy Sessions	·      Learn about components of urban design	·      How to apply to Kindersley?	·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.4.; GP.7.
June 1, 2013	Housing Session, Policy Sessions, & SK Caucus Meetings	·      Increase awareness of municipal issues	·      How to apply to Kindersley?	·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.4.; GP.7.
June 2	Rural Session, Policy Sessions, & SK Caucus Meetings	·      Increase awareness of municipal issues	·      How to apply to Kindersley?	·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.4.; GP.7.
June 3, 2013	FCM Travel	·      Travel to Vancouver		·      GP.0.; GP.1.; GP.4.; GP.7.
June 6	Kindersley CoC Annual Trade Show	·      Meet with residents, local businesses, and civic groups	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.7.

 

June 7	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 7	Kindersley CoC Annual Trade Show	·      Meet with residents, local businesses, and civic groups	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.7.
June 8	Air Cadets Annual Review	·      Presented an award		·      GP.7.
June 10	Ducks Unlimited / Motherwell Reservoir	·      Grand Opening of Signage		·      GP.7.
June 10	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 10	Council Meeting	·      Public Meeting	·      Refer to minutes	·      GP.0., GP.1.
June 10	Klippers’ AGM	·      Hear concerns and hopes of Klippers and express Town’s concerns and hope	·      Share with Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.4.; GP.7
June 13	Staff Retirement Party	·      Celebrate staff		·      GP.7.
June 14	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 14	HR			·      GP.4.
June 17	Meeting with Bill Boyd	·      Raise Kindersley’s Profile and share Kindersley’s concerns and hopes	·      Implement some suggestions	·      GP.7.
June 17	Mayor’s Hours	·      Met with residents	·      Brought concerns to admin/Council	·      GP.2.1; GP.7
June 18	Phase 2 Open House w/Group 2	·      Learn about final report, hear concerns and hopes of participants	·      Share with Council	·      GP.0.; GP.2.; GP.4.; GP.7
June 19	Meeting with Mayor of Humboldt	·      Share recent initiatives and determine partnership viability	·      Share with Council	·      GP.4